Wednesday, 21 August 2013
It's a short taxi ride around the North Circular from White Hart Lane to Craven Cottage but Scott Parker already knows that - he's well accustomed with the streets of London.
The Fulham newcomer was raised in the capital city where he has spent all but two of his 16 professional seasons.
A three-year deal with the Cottagers will take Parker well into his twilight years and could easily be the final move for the midfielder, who has played for Charlton, Chelsea, West Ham and Tottenham.
Cab anyone? Fulham signing Parker knows London like the back of his hand
Welcome to Fulham: Scott Parker is unveiled to the media following his move from White Hart Lane
But what is it that
keeps Parker so close to his roots? The graduate from Haberdashers’
Aske’s Hatcham school in south-east London has had his fair share of
success in the Big Smoke and Sportsmail have picked out the highlights:Alan Curbishley signed Parker from The FA's Lilleshall School of Excellence where he was one of 234 schoolboy players to pass through the academy system.
Parker was regarded as one of England's brightest prospects and made his debut as a second-half substitute against Bury in the First Division.
After a short loan to Carrow Road, Parker returned to the Valley where he established himself as a first-team regular following an injury to captain Mark Kinsella.
To Curbishley's disappointment, Parker left Charlton for Stamford Bridge shortly after his England debut in November 2003 against Denmark.
Hot shot: Parker takes on Joey Gudjonsson of Aston Villa in 2003
Chelsea (2004-2005) Appearances: 15 Goals: 1 Assists: 0 Win Percentage: 67
Claudio Ranieri splashed £10million on Parker during the January transfer window as Chelsea looked to invest in homegrown talent.
Parker was named as the PFA's Young Player of the year at the end of his first season at Stamford Bridge but his first team opportunities were limited.
Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard proved difficult competition and Parker was edged out of the side by the club's incessant spending and a broken metatarsal.
Newcastle made a £6.5million move for Parker after 18 months at the club and he agreed a five-year deal at St James' Park.
No nonsense: Parker goes through Arsenal kipper Patrick Vieira at Stamford Bridge
West Ham (2007-2011) Appearances: 109 Goals: 9 Assists: 8 Win Percentage: 28The midfielder was named club Player of the Year in 2009 and again in 2010 after his battling performances in midfield helped keep the club afloat.
His displays earned him an England recall and Parker was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 2011.
West Ham were relegated in 2011 and, after four games in the Championship, Parker handed in a transfer request and signed for Tottenham.
Captain fantastic: Parker takes on Blackpool's DJ Campbell in a 2010 Premier League match
Tottenham (2011-2013) Appearances: 50 Goals: 0 Assists: 2 Win Percentage: 54
Harry Redknapp's £5.5million move paid off as Parker was named club Player of the Year during his his first season at White Hart Lane.
The move also boosted Parker's England prospects as the Londoner was named captain for the first time under Fabio Capello in February 2012.
Parker started all three Euro 2012 group games but slipped down the pecking order on his return to club football, making just 15 starts last season.
A summer move seemed inevitable and Martin Jol made a last ditch attempt to pip QPR for Parker's services.
Final farewell: parker takes Sebastian Larsson of Sunderland during the Barclays Asia Trophy
